A garage has been ordered to pay a huge fine after pleading guilty to making an illegal car alteration following an investigation by the police and the DVSA.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has confirmed that SVG Motorsport Ltd had been prosecuted in a rare “pop and bang” case.
It follows an investigation by the DVSA and Thames Valley Police into the Slough garage, which used undercover work by the force.
The garage was found to have removed the catalytic converter from a vehicle and remapped the engine to make the vehicle louder.
Reading Magistrates’ Court ordered SVG Motorsport Ltd to pay £1,600 after it pleaded guilty earlier this month.
The joint investigation found that the garage had failed to mention that the modifications would make driving the vehicle illegal.
So-called “pop and bang” modifications cause vehicles to become excessively loud, especially when the car decelerates or changes gear.
This is caused by unburnt fuel igniting as a result of heat coming from the exhaust, which can also create excess pollution from the vehicle.
A garage in Slough has been ordered to pay £1,600 following a DVSA and police investigation (stock image)
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GETTY
When this procedure is completed, the vehicle would fail to meet basic roadworthiness standards, in addition to making the vehicle more anti-social.
Chris Dormand, head of the Market Surveillance Unit at the DVSA, said there were “no excuses” for motorists to make the illegal alterations.
The Market Surveillance Unit works to ensure vehicles, parts and accessories sold in the UK are safe for use by drivers.
It works alongside other agencies, industry bodies and trade associations to educate garages on how to be compliant with rules.
SVG Motorsport Ltd was found to have removed the vehicle’s catalytic converter (stock)
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GETTYThe MSU also regularly attends live events to engage with manufacturers, retailers and suppliers specifically for electric vehicles and mobility products.
Mr Dormand added: “DVSA works tirelessly to stop pop and bang modifications – removing antisocial noise and excess pollution from our streets.
“DVSA will target any businesses who flout the law – as demonstrated by the success of this prosecution.”
In this instance, SVG Motorsport Ltd was fined £200, and was expected to pay a victim surcharge of £80 and pay compensation of £1,320.
Drivers can contact the DVSA’s Market Surveillance Unit if they have information relating to illegal vehicle modifications
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DVSAIf a garage is convicted of making illegal “pop and bang” changes to a vehicle, it can be liable to an unlimited fine.
Other Slough businesses have been targeted by the DVSA and Thames Valley Police for similar modifications, including AET Motorsport in 2023 and Onyx Performance in 2024.
Concerned motorists can contact the DVSA’s Market Surveillance Unit if they believe they have information on anyone selling unsafe or illegal vehicle modifications.